Repair of distal biceps tendon acute ruptures with two suture anchors and anterior mini-open single incision technique: clinical follow-up and isokinetic evaluation.

BACKGROUND

All the techniques described in literature for treatment of acute distal biceps tendon ruptures provide good functional outcomes. The purpose of this study is to report the results of a single limited-incision technique for repair of acute distal biceps ruptures using two suture anchors.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Fourteen patients, all man, were treated consecutively from one author between January 2009 and December 2011 and evaluated at a mean follow-up of 26 months. All patients were evaluated clinically, through DASH and MEPS score questionnaires, and with isokinetic biomechanical tests.

RESULTS

All patients achieved complete elbow flexion and extension. Deficit for supination of the forearm was found in only two patients (7° and 13°). Mean DASH score was 4.7 points, and mean MEPS was excellent (96.8 points). There was no nervous complication involving posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) and no case of failure of the sutures. The isokinetic evaluation detected an average flexion strength increase by 10.2 % compared to the opposite arm not operated.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that mini-open access and fixation with two suture anchors achieved in medium-term excellent functional and cosmetic results needed short rehabilitation times and is minimally invasive.